BUSHFIRE fighting in SA this summer will be significantly boosted, with the announcement this morning that two Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters with be added to the Country Fire Service's aerial fleet.
Operated by SA company Aerotech, the Black Hawks are now on standby for deployment across the state, creating local jobs.
Emergency Services Minister Vincent said the state government's $10.2 million allocated for aerial firefighting in the 2021-22 State Budget has strengthened the evolution of SA's bushfire defence.
"These Black Hawks are revolutionary firefighting assets because of their quickfire capability," Mr Tarzia said.
"There's not a gun in sight, but make no mistake, these Black Hawks are one of our strongest weapons in the fight against bushfires.
"Black Hawks can deploy in just five minutes, surpassing the ability of other Type 1 firefighting helicopters, meaning CFS volunteers on the ground have greater aerial support for longer periods.
"Each helicopter has a top speed of 360km/hr and can hold 4000 litres of water or retardant.
"They can refill from a tank or dam in just 35 seconds and the accuracy of water drops is pinpoint."
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CFS Chief Officer Mark Jones described the Black Hawks as the "next generation" of aerial firebombers.
"The CFS has utilised helicopter firebombing aircraft since 2006," he said.
"Our aircraft are key factors in helping to slow the speed of fires so our ground troops can safely get in and extinguish them.
"The speed of response and flexibility of the Black Hawks will provide greater capability for our other 25 aircraft across SA."
Aerotech managing director Sam McCabe said the Black Hawks were a "game-changer" because of their speed and reliability, and the fact they could be deployed within minutes of a callout.
The Black Hawks will be based in the Adelaide Hills and contracted to the CFS on a multi-year contract for an 84-day period.
A Large Air Tanker will also be based in Australia on year-round standby for aerial assaults on bushfires across the country following a $4m boost by the federal government in September.
Black Hawk capabilities:
- Maximum total weight: 9071kg.
- Maximum flight speed: 360km/hr.
- Operational speed with tank: 250km/hr.
- Flying time: 2.5 hours without refuelling.
- Cargo hook load: 3600kg.
- Main rotor diameter: 16.3m
- Length: 19.5m.
- Horsepower: Two General Electric GE-701D/CC engines exerting 1488kW each.
- Tank: Helitak FT4500 system with 4000L capacity.
- Re-fill time with snorkel: 35 seconds.
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